Suwondo 'victim of a scheme by political elite'

Suwondo 'victim of a scheme by political elite'

JAKARTA (JP): Lawyers for Muhammad Alip Agung Suwondo
challenged on Thursday the charges against their client, arguing
that the indictment failed to specify their client's alleged role
in the Rp 35 billion (US$3.6 million) State Logistics Agency
(Bulog) scandal.

During a session at the North Jakarta District Court to hear
the defendant's rebuttal, lawyer Denny Azani B. Latief, who heads
Suwondo's defense team, said prosecutors had not specified
whether Suwondo instigated the crime or was taking orders from
the person behind the scandal.

"It is also unclear whether this case is the same as the one
now being tried at the South Jakarta District Court involving
former Bulog deputy head Sapuan," Denny said.

"And if this case is not connected with Sapuan's case, then
there is actually no case against our client. The judges should
not have accepted the indictment, and should now set it aside,"
Denny said reading out the opening statement of the defense's
rebuttal.

Denny maintained that Suwondo, alias An Peng Sui, a former
masseur to President Abdurrahman Wahid, is a victim of a scheme
by the political elite aimed at toppling the president.

He added that Suwondo was being "sacrificed" due to his past
relationship with the President.

The lawyers also questioned the authority of the North Jakarta
District Court to hear the trial because the South Jakarta
District Court was trying a similar case.

Denny then asked for the case to be halted pending a verdict
in Sapuan's trial at the South Jakarta District Court, or at
least reconvened as a civil trial.

"The case centers on a debit and credit relationship between
Suwondo and Bulog's employee foundation Yanatera, through Sapuan.
So, if there was a crime, it should be tried in the civil
courts," he said.

Suwondo is charged with violating Article 378 of the Criminal
Code on fraud, Article 372 on embezzlement and Article 480 on
storing stolen goods. Each article carries a maximum prison
sentence of four years.

After hearing the defense's rebuttal, presiding judge
adjourned the proceedings until Feb. 28, at which time the
prosecutor will respond.

Suwondo, who has been ill since the start of the trial, was
able to walk into the courtroom unassisted on Thursday, albeit in
slow, unsteady steps.

Denny said doctors from Kramat 128 Hospital have suggested
Suwondo undergo surgery next Saturday, and that his client was
taking medication ahead of the surgery.

"Suwondo has delayed the surgery because he wants to attend
the trial, but this time the doctors cannot wait. The doctors
plan to widen an artery, but I don't know for sure," he said
after the hearing. (bby)